Arcane Flavor’s expansion was only beginning but the political ripples were already spreading across the city What happened at the Riverbend Branch had reached every corner of the marketplace Some people praised the brand as the future of magical commerce Others whispered that it was too dangerous too disruptive too powerful Even farmers in distant villages now spoke the name with curiosity and fear

Inside the Merchant Guild Hall the highest council was meeting Varos stood before the circle of representatives presenting reports glowing with enchanted text The council chamber was cold illuminated only by the floating spirals of rune energy

Varos spoke with calm authority
Arcane Flavor has proven operational consistency They have stabilized magic cooking and introduced teleport delivery Their systems reduce market unpredictability but increase dependency on standardized supply They have also faced direct sabotage from competitors which suggests rapid destabilization of local trade patterns

The Agriculture representative nodded saying farmers were already asking for rune guidance to stabilize crops Something that could change centuries of tradition The Magic Regulation representative warned that stabilized flame systems might affect elemental spirits The Finance representative noted sudden shifts in spending patterns customers saved more because Arcane Flavor offered predictable pricing

The Guild Chairwoman Elphira raised her hand to silence them She was known for her cold logic and sharp predictions Her voice echoed through the chamber
Innovation is disruptive But disruption itself is not the issue The issue is control

She asked Varos the question everyone wanted answered
Can Arcane Flavor grow in alignment with the Guild or will it challenge our authority

Varos hesitated He recalled Evan’s steady tone during the presentation the sincerity in his answers He had visited their store three times and seen no intent of rebellion But he also observed something dangerous Arcane Flavor was building an ecosystem supply chain rune systems contract structures and customer loyalty If it continued to grow the Guild would lose the monopoly it had held for generations

Finally Varos answered
They can align with us but only if guided closely Without guidance they could unintentionally create a new parallel commerce structure one outside Guild oversight

The chamber stirred with tension Some representatives argued that new trade systems threatened the Guild’s power Others suggested absorbing Arcane Flavor by force through regulation

Elphira raised her hand again
No rash action They have the legal right to operate under Tier Two We cannot crush a lawful enterprise However we must examine all external influence especially from the Free Traders League

At the mention of the League the room darkened The Commerce representative spoke anxiously
The League gains strength every year They want a world without Guild regulation If Arcane Flavor becomes tied to them the Guild could lose control of food distribution entirely

Varos acknowledged this possibility He reported that the League had already approached Evan offering alliance Elphira’s eyes narrowed She ordered that Guild watchers monitor League activity around Riverbend and the main stall

But then something unexpected happened

A young Rune Policy representative rushed into the hall holding a trembling crystal
Chairwoman urgent news Something is developing in the lower districts Magical energy distortions Unregistered rune clusters forming

Elphira’s eyes locked on Varos
Could it be connected to the siphon crystal incident

Varos nodded slowly
Likely Copycat factions attempting counter systems

She stood from her seat
If rival factions develop unstable mass scale cooking magic it could explode the entire district We must intervene immediately And Arcane Flavor cannot be allowed near this conflict until we determine the cause

Varos understood the unspoken message Keep Arcane Flavor under observation Protect them if necessary Control them if required And ensure they do not become pawns in the Free Traders League’s growing movement

The Guild had made its decision internally
Arcane Flavor was not just a rising brand
It was now an economic asset
A potential threat
And a strategic battleground

The storm brewing inside the Guild had begun
And Evan had no idea how deep the political struggle had become around him